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Unlocking the Power of Cisco Nexus N9K-C9336C-FX2: High-Performance Data Center Switching Explained

Jun 04, 2025

Peter Shaw

In today’s rapidly evolving IT landscape, data centers are expected to deliver lightning-fast performance, maximum uptime, scalability, and uncompromised security. This is where Cisco Nexus N9K-C9336C-FX2, one of the most powerful switches in the Cisco Nexus 9000 Series, steps into the spotlight. Designed for next-generation data center architectures, this switch is optimized for high-density 100G networking, low latency, and advanced programmability.

If you're seeking a data center switch that delivers superior throughput, efficient power consumption, and scalable fabric integration, the Nexus N9K-C9336C-FX2 deserves serious consideration.

Key Features of Cisco Nexus N9K-C9336C-FX2

The Cisco Nexus N9K-C9336C-FX2 is a 1RU fixed switch offering 36 ports of 100-Gigabit Ethernet (QSFP28), with flexibility to support 10G/25G/40G/50G as well. It’s built for non-blocking throughput and is well-suited for cloud-scale deployments, hyper-converged infrastructure (HCI), and multi-tenant environments.

Here are the standout features:

  • 36 x 100G QSFP28 Ports: Delivering up to 7.2 Tbps of bandwidth

  • VXLAN, EVPN & Segment Routing Support: Ideal for overlay networking

  • Low Latency (<1μs): Ensures minimal packet delay for critical workloads

  • Cisco Cloud Scale ASIC: Custom-designed for scalable and programmable networks

  • Advanced Telemetry: Real-time visibility and performance analytics

  • Support for MACsec: Hardware-based encryption for secure traffic

Architecture and Performance

At its core, the N9K-C9336C-FX2 is powered by Cisco’s cloud-scale ASIC, delivering high performance while consuming less power and rack space. The switch supports line-rate Layer 2 and Layer 3 features, offering consistent performance across multiple workloads — from traditional enterprise apps to modern microservices.

  • Buffering Capacity: 40 MB shared buffers handle bursty traffic effortlessly

  • High Packet Per Second (PPS) Performance: Ideal for environments requiring real-time data processing

This makes it perfect for latency-sensitive applications such as financial trading systems, AI/ML workloads, and real-time analytics platforms.

Programmability and Automation

With full NX-OS support and programmability via REST APIs, Python, and Ansible, this switch is a game-changer for DevOps and NetOps teams. Using Cisco’s Data Center Network Manager (DCNM) and Cisco Nexus Dashboard, network operators can automate deployments, monitor traffic flows, and simplify troubleshooting.

  • Open APIs for network programmability

  • Streaming telemetry for deep observability

  • Zero-touch provisioning (ZTP) for rapid deployment

The result? Reduced operational overhead and increased agility in data center operations.

Security & Compliance

In the modern era, network security is more critical than ever. The Cisco N9K-C9336C-FX2 includes:

  • MACsec Encryption: Provides line-rate data encryption, ensuring secure east-west traffic

  • TrustSec: Enables identity-based access control

  • Micro-segmentation via VXLAN EVPN: Isolates tenant traffic securely

Such capabilities make it an excellent choice for regulated industries like finance, healthcare, and government infrastructure.

Use Cases for Cisco N9K-C9336C-FX2

The versatility of this switch makes it suitable for a wide array of use cases:

  1. Spine Layer in Leaf-Spine Architecture

  2. High-Density 100G Aggregation Layer Switch

  3. HCI Backplane for VMware, Hyper-V, or OpenStack

  4. Cloud Service Provider Data Centers

  5. AI/ML High-Throughput Clusters

  6. Enterprise Campus Core with MACsec Encryption

Why Cisco Nexus N9K-C9336C-FX2 Stands Out

Compared to similar 1RU switches in the market, the N9K-C9336C-FX2 delivers:

  • Greater flexibility across port speeds

  • More memory and processing power

  • Advanced telemetry and automation tools

  • Robust support for multi-cloud environments

Moreover, its energy-efficient design helps reduce the total cost of ownership (TCO), making it a sound investment for modern, sustainable data centers.

Future-Proof Infrastructure

This switch is built with tomorrow’s demands in mind. As data volumes grow and application architectures evolve, the N9K-C9336C-FX2 provides a future-ready foundation for your data center. Whether you're deploying multi-cloud, hybrid, or AI workloads, this switch is ready to scale and adapt.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a compact, high-density, high-performance switch for your data center, the Cisco Nexus N9K-C9336C-FX2 is a standout solution. With next-gen programmability, real-time telemetry, and ultra-low latency, it empowers businesses to build resilient, secure, and agile networks.